Challenge This 2001 riverfront home was purchased by the owners in 2015 and immediately renovated. Progressive Design Build was hired at that time to remodel the interior, with tentative plans to remodel their outdoor living space as a second phase design/build remodel. True to their word, after completing the interior remodel, this young family turned to Progressive Design Build in 2017 to address known zoning regulations and restrictions in their backyard and build an outdoor living space that was fit for entertaining and everyday use. The homeowners wanted a pool and spa, outdoor living room, kitchen, fireplace and covered patio. They also wanted to stay true to their home’s Old Florida style architecture while also adding a Jamaican influence to the ceiling detail, which held sentimental value to the homeowners who honeymooned in Jamaica. Solution To tackle the known zoning regulations and restrictions in the backyard, the homeowners researched and applied for a variance. With the variance in hand, Progressive Design Build sat down with the homeowners to review several design options. These options included: Option 1) Modifications to the original pool design, changing it to be longer and narrower and comply with an existing drainage easement Option 2) Two different layouts of the outdoor living area Option 3) Two different height elevations and options for the fire pit area Option 4) A proposed breezeway connecting the new area with the existing home After reviewing the options, the homeowners chose the design that placed the pool on the backside of the house and the outdoor living area on the west side of the home (Option 1). It was important to build a patio structure that could sustain a hurricane (a Southwest Florida necessity), and provide substantial sun protection. The new covered area was supported by structural columns and designed as an open-air porch (with no screens) to allow for an unimpeded view of the Caloosahatchee River. The open porch design also made the area feel larger, and the roof extension was built with substantial strength to survive severe weather conditions. The pool and spa were connected to the adjoining patio area, designed to flow seamlessly into the next. The pool deck was designed intentionally in a 3-color blend of concrete brick with freeform edge detail to mimic the natural river setting. Bringing the outdoors inside, the pool and fire pit were slightly elevated to create a small separation of space. Result All of the desirable amenities of a screened porch were built into an open porch, including electrical outlets, a ceiling fan/light kit, TV, audio speakers, and a fireplace. The outdoor living area was finished off with additional storage for cushions, ample lighting, an outdoor dining area, a smoker, a grill, a double-side burner, an under cabinet refrigerator, a major ventilation system, and water supply plumbing that delivers hot and cold water to the sinks. Because the porch is under a roof, we had the option to use classy woods that would give the structure a natural look and feel. We chose a dark cypress ceiling with a gloss finish, replicating the same detail that the homeowners experienced in Jamaica. This created a deep visceral and emotional reaction from the homeowners to their new backyard. The family now spends more time outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Their professional lives allow them to take a trip to paradise right in their backyard—stealing moments that reflect on the past, but are also enjoyed in the present.

Todd Bush http://www.bushphoto.com/studio/
Inspiration for a rustic open concept living room remodel in Boston with a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

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This modern Aspen interior design defined by clean lines, timeless furnishings and neutral color pallet contrast strikingly with the rugged landscape of the Colorado Rockies that create the stunning panoramic view for the full height windows. The large fireplace is built with solid stone giving the room strength while the massive timbers supporting the ceiling give the room a grand feel. The centrally located bar makes a great place to gather while multiple spaces to lounge and relax give you and your guest the option of where to unwind.

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This homage to prairie style architecture located at The Rim Golf Club in Payson, Arizona was designed for owner/builder/landscaper Tom Beck. This home appears literally fastened to the site by way of both careful design as well as a lichen-loving organic material palatte. Forged from a weathering steel roof (aka Cor-Ten), hand-formed cedar beams, laser cut steel fasteners, and a rugged stacked stone veneer base, this home is the ideal northern Arizona getaway. Expansive covered terraces offer views of the Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed golf course, the largest stand of Ponderosa Pines in the US, as well as the majestic Mogollon Rim and Stewart Mountains, making this an ideal place to beat the heat of the Valley of the Sun. Designing a personal dwelling for a builder is always an honor for us. Thanks, Tom, for the opportunity to share your vision. Project Details | Northern Exposure, The Rim – Payson, AZ Architect: C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB, Drewett Works, Scottsdale, AZ Builder: Thomas Beck, LTD, Scottsdale, AZ Photographer: Dino Tonn, Scottsdale, AZ

Ian Lindsey
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Needless to say, this kitchen is a cook’s dream. With an oversized peninsula, there is plenty of space to create tasteful confections. They added another element of interest to their design by mitering the edges of their countertop, creating the look of a thicker slab and adding a nice focal point to the space. Pulling the whole look together, they complemented the sea pearl quartzite countertop beautifully with the use of grey subway tile. Cabinets were custom built by Chandler in a shaker style with narrow 2" recessed panel and painted in a sherwin williams paint called silverplate in eggshell finish. The hardware was ordered through topknobs in the pennington style, various sizes used.

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BiglarKinyan Design - Toronto
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Photography by Scott Benedict
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary formal and open concept dark wood floor living room remodel in Austin with a stone fireplace, white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Our client wanted a more open environment, so we expanded the kitchen and added a pantry along with this family room addition. We used calm, cool colors in this sophisticated space with rustic embellishments. Drapery , fabric by Kravet, upholstered furnishings by Lee Industries, cocktail table by Century, mirror by Restoration Hardware, chandeliers by Currey & Co.. Photo by Allen Russ

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We replaced an old an tired bathroom in Platte Park with antique inspired finishes to liven it up. The shower is 3x6" subway tile with carrera sills in the niches. The top is adorned with an artful arch to reflect a similar one in the living room. The floor is heated carrera marble 2x2" mosaic with a 4" border. The wainscot is more subway with a carrera sill. The fixtures are all chrome, from the Delta Victorian collection. Rounding out the remodel is a custom built inset cabinet piece built to reflect a similar original piece in the kitchen. While we did not jump into new territory with this design, we took a classic look and added a few touches to make the space both unique and functional.